China's Marines

An author argues what I have long argued about the Chinese marines--they are not intended to invade Taiwan. Which means measuring China's amphibious threat to Taiwan by counting the marines and dedicated lift does not reflect the Chinese ground threat to Taiwan.

Yes:

The PLAN Marine Corps is currently moving toward modularization and combined arms formations, characterized by more flexible operational structures. In terms of PLANMC changes in operational concepts, traditional tactics and fighting methods are no longer applicable. The new force structure and operational concepts of the PLAN Marine Corps will offer it a greater role in protecting Chinese interests abroad, in a variety of terrain types and climate conditions—as well as making it a valuable counterpart to PLA Army amphibious forces in island landing scenarios involving the South China Sea or Taiwan.

I agree. I've long argued that defining the Chinese ground threat to Taiwan in relation to the marines is a red herring.

Expeditionary warfare on small islands or across the Indian Ocean on land are their missions.

Although I can think of one marine mission in particular (and this is another) in regard to invading Taiwan that would be very valuable.

Otherwise, look to the PLA Army to hit Taiwan when the trigger is pulled.